God Helped Us
The Abenezer self-help group has transformed the lives of its members
In the midst of poverty and vulnerability, leaders in Ethiopia call the the saving groups God’s miracle.
Saving groups are quietly transforming entire regions of Ethiopia! They provide an easy and effective way for the poor to save, access new capital and grow their wealth.
Many of these groups have been started near Sodo, Ethiopia. One of the poorest regions of Ethiopia, people in the area are materially poor and hope for a way out of poverty is hard to find. Previously, when faced with an emergency, villagers were forced to borrow money from a local lender, who charged exploitative insterest rates that few could ever replay. Leaving them in a cycle of perpetual debt.
In partnership with the local church, Tearfund set out to establish groups in dozens of villages. Initially, communities were skeptical to accept these “new” saving groups. Villagers were suspecious of being taking advantage of. But slowly and surely they began to understand the benefits and how as a part of the group they had control of their own money and had access to loans. Using their own savings and loans, many villagers were able to expand their farms, send their children to school, and even start new businesses!
But the impact didn’t stop there…
In one village, several groups came together to form a Cluster Level Association called Abenezer, meaning “God helped us.” This name truely represents the impact God has had on their lives!
Two representatives from 8 groups serve as members of the association. Through the association, the groups began to identify community needs and initiate projects to help. Together, they used a portion of their funds to dig a new well and start construction on a new bridge. But perhaps most impressive is that they banded together to start a new school!
This school has transformed the community and given hope to all. After initial start-up, the group even sponsors several vulnerable orphans from the community to attend. Many of the children are so excited to share with us what they’ve learned.
One member of the association, Mamitu, said that Saving Groups have restored dignity and humanity to the poorest in the community. Access to finance has given her the agency and freedom to make choices to improve her livelihood, and has created equality along the lines of wealth status as she is no longer trapped in the cycle of poverty.
The group members thank God, as before they were very poor, but now they are leading a better life.
The association’s name, God Helped Us, has rung true over the community due to the tremendous impact self-help groups have had in transforming the lives of its members! We pray for God’s continued blessing over these groups in Ethiopia.
